SAMUI — An Austrian man was found dead this morning on a Koh Samui beach, where police believe he died in his sleep.
The 40-year-old man was lying on a beach chair in front of the Sala Samui Hotel when a staff member spotted him at around 7am and realized he was dead, said Bo Phut Police Station chief Thewes Pluemsut.
Witnesses said the deceased had been camping in a tent on the beach for several nights prior to his death, Thewes said.
“His body had no wounds. He was just lying there. We believe he might have had a pre-existing medical condition,” Col. Thewes said Saturday. “There was no sign of struggle. We believe he died in his sleep.”
Nevertheless, police are still waiting for a detailed autopsy report from the hospital, he said.
Khaosod English is withholding the man’s identity until his family can be notified.
According to Thewes, the tourist was a frequent visitor to Thailand, and he liked to camp on the beach. The tourist was also involved in a car accident several weeks ago, which helped some police officers at the station in recognizing his body, Thewes said.
The officer described the man’s nationality as Australian but a photo of medication found in his bag indicates it was issued in Austria. He also has an Austrian name.
Teeranai Charuvastra can be reached at [email protected] and @Teeranai_C.
